Pulp Fiber Residue and Supplemental Irrigation on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Potato

Abstract

Organic matter levels combined with drought periods during the growing season have adverse impacts on rain-fed potato production in coarse textured soils of eastern Canada. Using pulp fiber residues (PFR) may build up soil organic matter, improve crops yield and nutrient uptake, and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation in this region. A box experiment with 3 rates of PFR [0, 45, and 90 Mg ha −1 dry mater carbon (C) basis] with or without supplementary drip irrigation was established in a sandy loam soil in New Brunswick, Canada. Red clover, barley, and potato were cultivated as three crops of the rotation in 1999, 2000, and 2001, respectively. The PFR only applied before red clover in fall 1998. Selected soil chemical and physical properties were measured before planting and after harvest. Crops yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation were determined at harvest. Soil organic-C content, bulk density and water holding capacity were improved by PFR application. Red clover and barley biomass production were significantly increased by PFR application. This effect was promoted by supplemental irrigation. Potato tuber yield was not affected by PFR and it was higher in rain-fed compared to supplementary irrigated system. Although, there was some initial evidence of N immobilization but generally PFR application increased N, P, and K bioavailability. This research has demonstrated that PFR can successfully be used as soil amendment in coarse textured soils without any adverse effect.

Effect of Organic Manure , Zinc and Sulfur Application on Rice Yield and Some Nutrient Uptake

“…The highest values of these parameters were obtained when applying organic manure treatment, 40 kg S fed -1 and 16 kg Zn fed -1 . Ofori et al, (2005) and Fahmy et al, (2008) found that the application of organic amendments to all the soils improved uptake of nitrogen. While Pooniyaand Shivay., (2013) found that Zn fertilization had significant effects on the concentrations and uptake of N and K in basmati rice grain and straw (Tables 6 and 8).…”

Integrated Application of Organic and Blended Mineral Fertilizers Improves Potato Productivity and Income for Smallholder Farmers in Acidic Soils

“…Das et al (2015) reported a similar response of potato height on a different variety. The significantly higher effects of combined organic and mineral fertilizers on yield components of potato might be attributed to their complementary effects, whereby the inorganic fertilizers enable the immediate availability of nutrients while the FYM supply nutrients slowly throughout the growing period and improve the soil properties such as soil porosity and reduced soil acidity (Fahmy et al, 2008).…”

“…Number of tubers per hill, foliage weight, tuber weights per plant, marketable and unmarketable tubers were determined at harvesting. The characteristics of unmarketable tubers were determined as explained by Fahmy et al (2008) and Kavvadias et al (2012). For potatoes and similar root crops, the yield components are number of stems per plant, number of tubers per plant and average tuber weight (Mengel & Kirkby, 1987).…”